Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. An estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases  and almost 10.0 million cancer deaths  occurred in 2020. The global cancer burden is expected to be 28.4 million cases in 2040, a 47% rise from 2020. Cancer often creates fear which comes out of ignorance and misconception. More than 30% of cancer cases could be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle or avoiding key risk factors. About 1/3rd of cancer cases could be reduced if cases are treated and detected at an early stage.

Since 2002, Link to Life has conducted over hundreds of Cancer Awareness Programmes which have benefited more than thousands of participants. Link to Life has also participated in many health related exhibitions benefiting more than 2 000 000 participants.

Objectives of the Cancer Awareness and Educational Programmes:

• To create awareness of the disease.
• To help people recognize the early signs and symptoms of cancer, thus enabling them to seek treatment at an early stage. The programme encourages the participants to seek prompt medical attention for symptoms which may include lumps, sores, bleeding, hoarseness, weight loss and persistent indigestion/cough/pain, etc.
• To educate people about the key risk factors of cancer since more than 30% of cancer cases could be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle or avoiding the key risk factors.
• To inform people about the importance of cancer screening at an early stage.

Achievements of Cancer Awareness and Educational Programmes:

Since 2002, many Cancer Awareness Programmes were conducted at various places such as schools, banks, colleges, private companies, NGOs and Government organizations. During the programmes, information was given about cancer, causes and symptoms of cancer, types of cancer, cancer checkup and its importance, cancer treatment and prevention. During the programme, pamphlets related to cancer were distributed among the participants to educate them about cancer.